Monitoring oral health remotely: ethical considerations when using AI among vulnerable populations
Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: Technological innovations in dentistry are revolutionizing the monitoring and management of oral health. This perspective article critically examines the rapid expansion of remote monitoring technologies-including artificial intelligence (AI)-driven diagnostics, electronic health records (EHR), wearable devices, mobile health applications, and chatbots-and discusses their ethical, legal, and social implications. The accelerated adoption of these digital tools, particularly in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, has enhanced accessibility to care while simultaneously raising significant concerns regarding patient consent, data privacy, and algorithmic biases. We review current applications ranging from AI-assisted detection of dental pathologies to blockchain-enabled data transfer within EHR systems, highlighting the potential for improved diagnostic accuracy and the risks associated with over-reliance on remote assessments. Furthermore, we underscore the challenges posed by the digital divide, where disparities in digital literacy and access may inadvertently exacerbate existing socio-economic and health inequalities. This article calls for the development and rigorous implementation of ethical frameworks and regulatory guidelines that ensure the reliability, transparency, and accountability of digital health innovations. By integrating multidisciplinary insights, our discussion aims to foster a balanced approach that maximizes the clinical benefits of emerging technologies while safeguarding patient autonomy and promoting equitable healthcare delivery.
Source: Frontiers in Oral Health
Institutions: University of Hong Kong, Universidad Católica de Córdoba
Language: English
Subfield: Health Informatics
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $3,077
Funder: Universidad Católica de Córdoba
OpenAlex ID: W4409404373